What role does self-determination play in DDA services?

Self-determination is a fundamental principle in DDA services, emphasizing the importance of individuals taking control over their own lives and making their own decisions. This approach supports the idea that people should have the power to choose how they live, what services they use, and how they interact with the communities they are a part of.

By fostering self-determination, DDA services empower individuals to advocate for their own needs, preferences, and aspirations. This autonomy is crucial for enhancing their quality of life and promoting a sense of agency in their personal journeys. It aligns with broader goals of person-centered planning, which prioritizes individual choices and promotes independence.

The other options present varying concepts that do not align with the core philosophy of self-determination. Prioritizing community over individual needs contradicts the essence of allowing personal choice, while focusing merely on minimum care requirements does not support the aim of encouraging individuals to make empowered decisions. Similarly, enabling clients to depend fully on support brokers undermines their ability to take charge of their own lives and decisions. Thus, the emphasis on personal control and decision-making is what establishes the importance of self-determination in DDA services.